Newark company Hillside Environmental launches £4.8m carbon-neutral project with college

A company has launched a £4.8m project as part of its dedication to becoming carbon-neutral by 2030.

Hillside Environmental, based in Newark, is supporting Gloucestershire College with its commitment to become carbon zero by 2030, this is 20 years ahead of the governments deadline.

A grant of £2.8m has been secured by the Hillside Environmental team for the introduction of an innovative renewable energy system as part of the project.

The company is now working across the East Midlands and is eager to support other colleges and local business to implement sustainability plans.

Hillside Founder, Russell Burton, told BBC Radio Gloucester: "Our experience suggests that students, staff, employers and business partners are all looking for help and support to understand what can be done to combat climate change.

"The project that Gloucestershire College has embarked upon today is a deep and meaningful move away from fossil fuels and a beacon for its communities to follow in addressing the climate emergency."

Hillside Environmental has shown through a 20 year business model that Gloucester college will recover its investment within the life of the project plan and that they will also enjoy a substantial period of free green energy.

Gloucester College will be able to reduce their carbon footprint by 63% in the first year, and by 95% in 2030.

A team of engineers and project managers from Hillside, are helping Gloucestershire by generating renewable power on site via solar power, optimising energy use by installing batteries and energy controls to store and use energy at the most optimal times.